however - I could hardly relate to Ms. Carpenter and her assorted group of colleagues, all of whom seem rather "priviliged" in their varied media/outdoors/CEO status. You could hardly imagine these case studies really "suffered" with career problems; they all seemed rather "connected" (power brokered), monied and probably from families that eased the way for them to start off. The Chapters book was rather self-serving of Carpenter, who "discovered" a new career of writing/coaching (albiet with a ghost writer/collaborator). I was soooooo turned off by this book (like "oh, my my maid just quit, how bad can it get??"). I am a well educated professional myself but have none of the luxury and "connections" Carpenter seems to have. As a quite "elitist" book, I suggest it only if you went to an Ivy League school and/or were "born into" money. Sorry be be so negative, but that's what I came away with here.
On the positive side, there is much truth to the fact that an individual will have an average of nine different jobs through the course of their employable years. Life is indeed much like the chapters of a book - for everyone that ends another begins. In this respect, the author does help us to understand the various stages we go through as we close one chapter and begin another. There are some interesting anecdotes in the book and a lot of inspiration; however, readers will need to read the suggestions and apply what they feel will work for them based on their own unique personal situation. A "one-shoe-fits-all" approach cannot be found here because we have such varied income levels, disposable income, and financial responsibilities. Read the book for the tips it contains, then decide what will personally work for you and what will not.
Like Gavin de Becker (Fear Less), Candice Carpenter has a way of pointing to what is real and reassuring us with it. The best news is that her reassurance --- backed by her own experience, thoughtful research, and genuine compassion --- has tremendous credibility.
I can think of at least a half dozen people I will recommend Chapters to immediately. And it certainly will go on the next edtion of my reading list for clients.